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[JCWeb]

Jan 1921 WW Division Profile

Total: 102 RL: 57 TC: 45

RL by Career Stage:
End - 5
Post - 10
Prime - 18
Pre - 16
Beginning - 8 (3 New)

Rated: 37
800+: 9
500+: 23
200+: 35

Jan 1921 Rankings (Perf Pts and Changes from Jan 1920 in Parens):

Champ: Tommy Uren 26-8 (13) (1093) (+11)
1. Art Magirl 31-3-1 (27) (1325) (-1)
2. Jack Britton 48-11-3 (17) (1088) (NC)
3. Willie Loughlin 22-6 (17) (1061) (+15)
4. Packey McFarland 48-5-4 (23) (1022) (-3)
5. Eddie Shevlin 31-13-4 (12) (1009) (NC)
6. Ted Kid Lewis 31-12-4 (15) (1008) (-3)
7. Bermondsey Billy Wells 22-3-1 (11) (904) (NC)
8. Johnny Basham 29-12-3 (12) (874) (-2)
9. Albert Badoud 28-11-2 (15) (795) (-5)
10. Tommy Robson 25-9-1 (16) (763) (NC)

Comments: All at Prime except Magirl, who hits Post in 1921, his RL final season. Uren climbed above everyone to take the title, going 3-0 in 1920 with two title wins in addition to a UD 10 over Badoud; he carries a six-bout win streak into 1921. Magirl lost the title but bounced back to win the USBA belt and maintain a high ranking. Britton concluded a 2-1 season with a UD over Robson after losing the WBA title. Loughlin took the NABF title and rode a four-bout win streak into the top 10. McFarland slipped a bit after losing the NABF title, also being held to a draw by Bermondsey Billy Wells. Shevlin compiled two wins and a draw in four bouts, winding up on a high note with a MD over Ted Kid Lewis. Lewis had a three-bout win streak snapped, and he dropped a few spots in the rankings as a result. Lewis also dropped a SD to McFarland early in the year while dominating the European scene. Bermondsey Wells could only manage a draw with McFarland after going 2-1 in title contests. Basham won only one of three in 1920, scoring a TKO 8 over Badoud. The Frenchman scored a UD 10 over Dick Nelson to stay in the top 10 despite the losses to Uren and Basham. Finally, Tommy Robson repeated as #10, scoring a MD over Dixie Kid and a TKO over Joe Simonich in his two wins in five bouts.

Other Notables: Dixie Kid, who has now reached the End career stage, slipped three spots to #11, scoring a SD over Whitney and a UD over Marty Cross despite the losses to Robson and Uren. Aussie Fred Kay fell from #9 to #12, suffering a TKO loss to Bermondsey Billy Wells which offset a SD over Whitney; he reaches Post-Prime in 1921. Dane Waldemar Holberg advanced with three wins before suffering the EBU title loss to Lewis. Top newcomer to the ratings is George Levine, who compiled a 16-1 (7) record, with a UD over Simonich and a TKO over aging vet Hurley to go with the one title bout loss to McFarland. Canadian Frank Barrieau compiled a three-bout win streak, including an impressive one-round KO of Matt Wells, winding up the year at #18 with a 20-12-1 (8) record. Simonich won his first 14 in a row, 12 versus TCs and then UDs over Spike Kelly and Dave Deshler, before dropping a UD to Kid Graves and then a TKO loss to Robson. Dane Frithjof Hansen had a rough year, losing three bouts to drop his record to 13-6 (4), ranking him a lowly 34th.

Prospects: Filipino Macario Flores is a perfect 14-0 (7), scoring a MD win over Kelly and a KO over Blink McCloskey after downing 12 TCs. Jack Sparr, who suffered a loss to Simonich, racked up five wins to pile up a 13-1 (10) start to his career. Georgie Ward kept his record clean, at 12-0 (11), all versus TCs. Pete Latzo, at 9-0 (6) and Joe Dundee at 8-0 (6) remained unbeaten versus TC opposition. Irineo Flores kept his slate clean by registering a TKO 5 over Aussie Paul Demsky; Flores' record stands at 8-0 (8) while Demsky dropped to 7-1 (6). Young Corbett (7-0, 4 KOs), Billy Alger (6-0, 4 KOs), Jimmy Jones (6-0, 1 KO) and Morrie Schlaiffer (5-0, 4 KOs) are all off to good starts. Hamilton Johnny Brown was held to a draw in one TC encounter, and he checks in at 4-0-1 (2). Fellow Brit Alf Mancini remains unbeaten in three bouts, with one KO. Bobby Tracey struggled to a win and a draw in his first two bouts.

Retirements: Three WWs hung up the gloves in 1920, here are their stats.

Battling Bill Hurley (USA) 1902-20 41-30-7 (11) USBA Champ Highest Rank: 5
Kyle Whitney (USA) 1905-20 35-19-2 (17) USBA Champ Highest Rank: 7
Blink McCloskey (USA) 1902-20 37-32-4 (11) No Titles Highest Rank: 10

Looking Ahead: Hard to see Uren remain Champ for long, as Britton, Loughlin, McFarland and others seem to be better skilled fighters -- but who would have predicted Magirl's lengthy reign at the top? Ted Kid Lewis is looking to challenge for the top spot, as well. Levine, Simonich, Macario Flores and Georgie Ward look to move from the prospect to contender status. Willie Harmon and Jack Zivic are among the newcomers to the ranks in 1921.

Predictions: Only one for three last time, had McFarland winning the WBA belt -- wrong; had Ted Kid Lewis adding a CBU or GBU belt -- wrong; did have Robson losing in the USBA title try, but it took two fights since he managed a draw the first time out.
For 1921, I will predict Ted Kid Lewis will emerge as WBA Champ by year's end. Expect to see Badoud regain the EBU crown. Also, Marty Cross will move into the Top 10 and succeed Art Magirl as USBA champ.
Truthfully, not too optimistic about any of these predictions working out, as the WW division has been a difficult one to forecast in recent years.

[JCWeb]

1920 JWW Report

This will be a short report.

No titles in place yet, so no title bouts to report.

Division Profile:

Total: 7 RL: 3 TC: 4

RL by Career Stage: all 3 JWWs at Pre-Prime

Rankings:
1. Pinkey Mitchell 15-4 (10) (205)

Comments: Mitchell struggled in 1920, with three successive losses once he faced RL opponents in the WW division: he suffered UD losses to Boyle and Sid Burns, and lost a SD to aging vet Jimmy Gardner.

Prospects: Basil Galiano recovered from a TKO loss to TC Dale Jacks with four straight wins, including a UD 10 over fellow JWW prospect Spug Myers, handing Myers his first loss. Galiano's record now stands at 13-1 (8) and Myers has compiled a 9-1 (5) mark.

Looking Ahead: Will still be a couple of years before any title bouts offered up in this division. No newcomers in 1921. Mitchell, Galiano and Myers will likely be paired with lower-ranked WWs and WW TCs for most of the year.

Predictions: Too soon to start making forecasts yet.

[JCWeb]

1920 LW Title Bouts

WBA

Benny Leonard CH (39-0-1) vs Louis de Ponthieu #17 (22-9-3)

Leonard travels to France to defend his title versus the local hero, de Ponthieu, who has had some rather lackluster recent results (only one win in his last 6 outings) and, since turning Post-Prime, is not expected to pose much of a threat to the "Ghetto Wizard"; Leonard looks to repeat a 1917 KO win over the Frenchman.

Leonard hammers away from the outside and builds an early points lead in the first two rounds. De Ponthieu tries to work the inside in round three, but he just finds himself more vulnerable to Leonard's counters. A series of blows from Leonard puts de Ponthieu on the canvas in round four. The end comes a round later when an angry looking cut opens above the challenger's left eye; the ref is quick to step in and halt the bout, with little protest from the Frenchman's corner. Leonard by TKO 5 (cut).

Benny Leonard CH (40-0-1) vs Rocky Kansas #2 (28-6-2)

Next up for Leonard is Kansas, the newly-crowned NABF champ, winner of 6 in his last 7. Leonard owns a win over Kansas in a 1917 title bout.

Leonard looks sharp early, taking round one. Round two is closer, with Kansas trying to get more aggressive but still outboxed by the nifty Leonard. More of the same in round three. Kansas finally breaks through on the inside in round four, scoring with a couple of hooks near the end of the round. Round five, both fight inside, and Leonard is bleeding from a cut on the nose. Kansas continues to apply the pressure in the middle rounds, but Leonard's defense is strong. Kansas gets careless and walks into a strong shot from Leonard, who scores the bout's first KD in the 8th round. The cut on Leonard's nose is reopened, and targeting it appears to be Kansas' only chance. Leonard scores a second KD in round 11, and he lands a big hook for a third KD against a tired Kansas in round 14. The bout goes the distance, an easy UD win for Leonard.

Benny Leonard CH (41-0-1) vs Willie Ritchie #4 (37-15-3)

Third title try for Ritchie, who also held the NABF belt back in 1915-16 before losing it to Leonard.

After a close opening round, both pound away from long range in round two, and at this point Ritchie is doing well. Leonard gradually gains the upper hand in round three, and after some stifling defense by Leonard (who leads 50-45 after five on the unofficial card), a frustrated Ritchie tries to start headhunting. Leonard clamps down on Ritchie's attack, and the unofficial scorer has Leonard pitching a shutout (100-90) after ten. Leonard retreats into a defensive shell in the final rounds, and Ritchie is too tired to get his game off track. A dominating UD 15 win for Leonard.

Benny Leonard CH (42-0-1) vs Sam Robideau #16 (27-14-1)

Leonard's fourth title defense of the year, his 19th in succession. The bout takes place in Montreal, and as no top ten contenders were available, Sam Robideau is the default choice as challenger. Leonard won via KO in a prior bout seven years earlier, when both men were at Pre-Prime.

Leonard builds a comfortable early lead, and Leonard rocks the challenger in the second with a straight right. Robideau sustains a cut above the eye in round three. Leonard follows up with an overhand right that floors the challenger in the fourth. Robideau hangs on, and uses the following round to clear his head. Some toe-to-toe action in round 6, and this time Robideau is holding his own. Leonard re-establishes control as the cut is reopened in round 7. Everything appears to be going Leonard's way when the Champ is called for a flagrant low blow in round 8 -- and a controversial DQ is the call. Robideau takes the belt on the foul call, and Leonard's lengthy reign is at an end.

NABF: Aging vet Jack Blackburn began the year with the belt but faced a stern test from USBA titleholder Rocky Kansas. Blackburn staggered Kansas with a wicked left hand in round one but could not follow up. Kansas gradually wore the veteran down, scoring the bout's only KD in round 9 en route to a UD 12 triumph. He defended versus Ever Hammer, stepping up the pressure and nailing Hammer with an uppercut for a KD in the 7th and followed up with a second KD in the 9th round. Another UD 12 win for Kansas.

USBA: Kansas vacated the title after winning the more prestigious NABF title, and Lockport Jimmy Duffy faced off versus Andy Chaney for the vacant title. Duffy battled back from a cut eye and, in a close bout that went down to the wire, Duffy annexed the belt after a close UD win. Duffy defended versus Lew Tendler, and this one was all Tendler who pounded away at a swollen left eye and rocked Duffy in round 6 with a big cross. An easy UD win for Tendler.

CBU: Aussie Herb McCoy defended versus Brit Jem Driscoll, but suffered a cut below the left eye. "Peerless Jim" took advantage and knocked McCoy down in round 7. McCoy tried to rally, but it went down as a MD 12 for Driscoll who added the CBU belt to his GBU title. Driscoll then journeyed to Canada to take on Clonie Tait, a rapidly rising local hope. Tait broke open a close bout with a big right hand that staggered Driscoll, then he finished the bout in convincing style a round later. Tait by KO 9.

GBU: Driscoll defended against the aging ex-Champ, Freddie Welsh, who offered little resistance after suffering a split lip early in the bout. A few rounds later, the cut led to a stoppage -- TKO 8 for Driscoll.

EBU: Llew Edwards took on Welsh and appeared to be on his way to victory when both men were cut due to a clash of heads. The butt cut was ruled accidental, and eventually the bout was stopped and it went to the scorecards -- and the result was a technical draw, despite the fact Edwards had scored the bout's only knockdown. Well, at least Edwards keeps the EBU title for another year ...

[JCWeb]

Jan 1921 LW Division Profile

Total: 118 RL: 65 TC: 53

RL by Career Stage:
End - 3
Post - 10
Prime - 32
Pre - 10
Beginning - 10 (5 New)

Rated: 49
800+: 15
500+: 28
200+: 45

Jan 1921 Rankings (Perf Pts and Changes from Jan 1920 in Parens)

Champ: Sam Robideau 28-14-1 (10) (1303) (+20)
1. Benny Leonard 42-1-1 (25) (1302) (-1)
2. Rocky Kansas 29-7-2 (27) (1207) (+1)
3. Lew Tendler 27-4-1 (10) (1192) (+3)
4. Llew Edwards 22-7-3 (13) (1127) (-3)
5. Willie Ritchie 37-16-3 (12) (1065) (-1)
6. Charley White 35-18-5 (12) (964) (+6)
7. Ever Hammer 26-6-4 (10) (929) (+1)
8. Lockport Jimmy Duffy 33-15-3 (15) (915) (+2)
9. Herb McCoy 30-14-1 (13) (902) (-4)
10. Jimmy Dundee 22-4-1 (9) (851) (+4)

Comments: All the above at Prime, except Lockport Jimmy, who hits Post in 1921. Robideau is the surprise Champ, rising from #20 at the start of 1920. He suffered a UD loss to Richie Mitchell, then scored a UD over Young Tommy Coleman and a TKO versus Eddie Wagner to set up the title chance. Leonard, of course, suffered only the second blemish on his record, the first being a draw back in 1913 with Special Delivery Hirsch. Kansas scored two wins and a loss to Leonard, all in title bouts. Tendler moved up with three wins in 1920, a KO over White and a UD versus Driscoll in addition to his successful USBA title bout effort. Edwards dropped a bit, dropping a MD to Ritchie but registering a TKO over Tait in addition to a UD win over McCoy. Ritchie's only win was over Edwards, as he lost to White and could only manage a draw with Hammer. White was 2-1 in 1920, scoring a MD over Blackburn but losing by KO to Tendler. Hammer scored a UD over Bronson and a draw versus Ritchie to edge up the list. Lockport Jimmy split the two USBA title tilts and defeated Johnny Arrousey (UD 10). McCoy tumbled after two losses to Driscoll and Edwards halted a three-bout win streak. Finally, Jimmy Dundee moved into the top 10 after a UD over Harry Stone, a MD versus Hirsch and a draw with Andy Chaney.

Other Notables: Veterans Ray Bronson, Driscoll, and Blackburn dropped out of the top ten. Bronson fell four spots to #11, losing to Hammer and Wagner. Driscoll also fell four spots, to #13, suffering a KO loss to Canadian Clonie Tait after MD wins versus McCoy and Valgar. Finally, vet Jack Blackburn dropped all the way from #4 to #16 as three more losses extended his losing streak to five. CBU Champ Clonie Tait has compiled a 19-5 (6) record, good for #12 spot worth 831 PPs, one spot and one PP ahead of Driscoll, the GBU Champ whose career totals are now 64-15-2 (32). Andy Chaney checks in at #14 with a UD over Hyland to go with his draw versus Dundee. "French Flash" Benny Valgar defeated his countryman, de Ponthieu, and winds up the year at #15 with a19-2-1 (11) record, his second loss coming in 1920 to Driscoll. Eddie Wagner at #17 suffered the loss to Robideau, which snapped a five-bout win streak, which featured KOs over Bronson and Koehler and a UD over Blackburn. Hirsch was 2-1 for 1920, dropping a MD to Dundee which left him at #18. Willie Beecher compiled three wins and a draw to wind up the year in 19th spot. Ditto for George "KO" Chaney, who is further down the list at #26. Tommy Cello debuts at #34, scoring a MD over fellow prospect Alex Hart, but dropping decisions to Farren and Gallant; his record is now 15-3 (8). Jimmy Goodrich at 14-1 (8) is one spot lower, but he has yet to be tested beyond TC competition. Hart won his first 15 but lost his last three and wound up at #38. UK prospect Ernie Rice is even further down the list, at #45, despite a 14-2 (10) start.

Prospects: Sid Barbarian has compiled a 11-0 (9) record, all versus TCs. Charlie O'Connell downed Johnny Trambitas and split a pair of 8-rounders with Joe Ryder. O'Connell's record stands at 8-1 (6), Ryder is at 7-1-1 (1). Trambitas checks in at 6-1 (3). Still unbeaten are Billy Wallace (6-0, 4 KOs); Solly Seeman (5-0, 3 KOs); Johnny Kaiser (4-0, 3 KOs); Brit Harry Mason (4-0, 1 KO); Aussie Billy Grime (3 wins, all by KO); and Sammy Vogel (3-0, 2 KOs). Sammy Mandell has won two UDs in four-rounders to get his career off the ground.

Retirements: The LW ranks were definitely reduced by a record total of 8 (!) retirements in 1920. Career records and stats:

Kid Black (USA) 1902-20 43-33-3 (19) USBA Champ Highest Rank: 7
Arthur Douglas (SAF) 1901-20 41-30-2 (16) CBU Champ Highest Rank: 5
Joe Shugrue (USA) 1910-20 22-19-3 (10) No Titles Highest Rank: 31
Tommy O'Keefe (USA) 1905-20 26-29-2 (10) No Titles Highest Rank: 20
Paul Koehler (USA) 1908-20 33-24-4 (9) No Titles Highest Rank: 14
Young Otto (USA) 1903-20 37-26-6 (18) USBA Champ Highest Rank: 5
Fighting Dick Hyland (CAN) 1903-20 36-32-5 (20) NABF, CBU Champ Highest Rank: 4
Young Donahue (USA) 1903-20 39-28-5 (10) USBA Champ Highest Rank: 5

Looking Ahead: Leonard will obviously be itching for a rematch with Robideau, meanwhile other top contenders like Kansas, Tendler, Ritchie and White are lining up for a WBA title shot. CBU Champ Clonie Tait needs to step it up against top level competition, as is also the case for Jimmy Dundee and Andy Chaney. Valgar will be looking for an EBU title shot, and young prospects such as Jimmy Goodrich and Sid Barbarian will be looking to establish themselves. Two Chileans, Stanislaus Loyaza and Luis Vicentini, will headline the five additions to the LW division in 1921.

Predictions: Was off in two of three predictions last year -- Valgar did not win the EBU belt, and Edwards did not take the CBU belt (was correct in forecasting that Blackburn's NABF belt would pass to Kansas).
For 1921, I predict that Leonard will regain the WBA belt. Tait will try for the NABF title but come up short. For Valgar, once again, I see a EBU title in his future.

[JCWeb]

another real short report ...

Jan 1921 JL Division Profile

Total: 6 RL: 3 TC: 3

RL: 2 at Pre-Prime, 1 at Beginning

Prospects: Jack Bernstein at 6-0 (3), Mike Ballerino at 5-0 (3) and Tod Morgan at 1-0 (1) are all unbeaten versus TC opposition.

Looking Ahead: No newcomers on the horizon. However, I plan to include as JLs (for possible future title belt matches) boxers currently in the LW and FW divisions who historically contested for JL titles in the 1920s -- guys like Johnny Dundee, Steve "Kid" Sullivan, Sid Barbarian, to name a few...

[JCWeb]

1920 FW Title Bouts

WBA

Johnny Kilbane CH (41-8-4) vs Patsy Brannigan #2 (26-10-5)

USBA Champ Brannigan earns a shot at Kilbane's WBA belt. Kilbane won both prior meetings, Brannigan enters the bout unbeaten in his last six.

Kilbane gets off to a strong start and dominates the opening rounds, putting a pasting on Brannigan whose left eye starts to swell. Brannigan gets more aggressive in the middle rounds, but the bout is called to a premature halt when Kilbane is DQ'ed for low blows in round seven, handing Brannigan the belt on a silver platter.

Patsy Brannigan CH (27-10-5) vs Eugene Criqui #2 (32-6-5)

The two have battled to draws in two previous bouts.

Criqui gets off to a strong start, outscoring Brannigan in round one and then connecting with a flurry to end round two. Round three is an even round, featuring some toe-to-toe action on the inside. Criqui nails the Champ with a solid cross to take round four. Brannigan tries to work inside in round five, but Criqui counterpunches well, taking a commanding lead of 50-45 on the unofficial card after five. Criqui continues to dominate, but Brannigan gets in a huge uppercut to stagger the Frenchman late in round 8. Brannigan continues his aggressive approach as Criqui wisely adopts a more defensive posture, which serves him well in the later rounds. Criqui hammers out a one-sided UD 15 victory (147-138 on all cards).

Eugene Criqui CH (33-6-5) vs Ansel Bell #6 (20-5-3)

Criqui's first defense is against "Kid Bullet," the NABF Champ from Panama who comes into the bout unbeaten in his last five. First meeting of the two.

It is a cautious start by both men, who mix up the inside and outside attack. After five rounds, Bell is ahead 49-46 on the unofficial card. Criqui gradually gets more aggressive, and Bell is able to hold his own in some toe-to-toe exchanges. Criqui contines to press the attack through the middle into the late rounds, putting Bell on the defensive. Criqui rallies to take rounds 10 and 12, but Bell counters and holds his own. Bell survives Criqui's late flurry and a swollen left eye to come away with the title after a narrow SD 15 victory (144-141, 140-146, 145-143).

NABF: Bell defended the NABF belt versus the legendary Abe Attell, former Champ who is still a formidable foe despite his advancing years. Bell suffered a cut lip early on, and the cut reopened due to an unintentional butt, leading to a technical draw based on the scorecards in round 7. IN the rematch, Bell nailed Attell with a huge shot early on, and Abe had nothing in the tank for the remainder of the bout. Bell by UD 12.

USBA: This belt was vacated by Brannigan, who won the WBA title. Johnny Dundee was matched with Eddie O'Keefe and pulled ahead in the middle rounds, withstood a late surge by O'Keefe to take a MD 12 verdict. Dundee repeated the result against Vince "Pepper" Martin, converting an early points lead to a solid UD 12 win. Dundee then took on ex-Champ Kilbane, who was seeking to jump start his career. Kilbane pulled ahead after several close early rounds, then ended it by putting Dundee on the deck for a KO in the 11th. Then it was once again Eddie O'Keefe's turn, and this time Kilbane landed a strong shot for a KO in round 8.

CBU: No title defenses -- the belt is held by Jimmy Hill (AUS).

GBU: Vacant; no UK FWs active at this time, although there are a few prospects coming up the ranks.

EBU: Criqui was allowed to the keep the belt while he fought for, and won then lost, the WBA title. So, Criqui enters 1921 as the EBU Champ despite the lack of recent title defenses.

[JCWeb]

Jan 1921 FW Division Profile

Total: 89 RL: 50 TC: 39

RL by Career Stage:
End - 4
Post - 4
Prime - 18
Pre - 13
Beginning - 11 (2 New)

Rated: 27
800+: 9
500+: 15
200+: 25

Jan 1921 Rankings (Perf Pts and Changes from Jan 1920 in Parens)

Champ: Ansel Bell 21-5-3 (13) (978) (+8)
1. Johnny Kilbane 43-10-4 (12) (1031) (-1)
2. Eugene Criqui 33-7-5 (14) (977) (-1)
3. Johnny Dundee 34-9-2 (11) (932) (+2)
4. K. O. Mars 27-12-1 (6) (925) (+3)
5. Patsy Brannigan 27-12-5 (8) (924) (-3)
6. Eddie O'Keefe 39-15-3 (19) (912) (NC)
7. Bud Ridley 21-2 (12) (823) (+3)
8. Steve Sullivan 28-12-3 (7) (822) (-4)
9. Jimmy Hill 33-14-2 (2) (721) (NC)
10. Mike Dundee 19-1 (15) (+3)

Comments: All the above at Prime career stage, as long-time top FW Abe Attell (at Post since 1917) dropped out of the Top 10. Bell was impressive in his UD win over Attell, and he followed up on that success to sweep the WBA crown. Kilbane remains a rough customer, recovering from the title loss and a KO loss to O'Keefe with a KO over J. Dundee plus a win in a rematch with O'Keefe. Criqui won a MD over Sullivan in addition to the two WBA title tilts. Johnny Dundee won three of four in 1920, taking a UD 10 over Willie Ames in addition to three title contests. Mars was also 3-1 for the year, dropping a MD to Sullivan but scoring a SD over Brannigan. Brannigan lost bouts to Criqui and Mars after his fortunate DQ win over Kilbane. O'Keefe split the pair of bouts with Kilbane, scored a UD over M. Dundee but lost to J. Dundee. Ridley recovered from an early season loss to "Pepper" Martin to win three in a row, including a MD over Hill and a KO 6 of Sullivan. Sullivan was 2-2 for the year, dropping a MD to Criqui and suffering the KO loss to Ridley but managing a MD versus Mars. Hill won two of three, struggling versus higher ranked guys but KOing Kid Julian. Mike Dundee rounds out the top 10, by virtue of wins over aging vets Cobb and Walsh despite suffering his first career loss to O'Keefe.

Other Notables: Attell falls out of the Top 10 for the first time since his career started in 1902-03. He lost the title bout with Bell, then dropped a technical decision to Danny Edwards, winding up at #12, down nine spots from a year ago. Edwards holds down the #11 spot, going unbeaten in three bouts in 1920 to move his record to 17-5-3 (4). "Pepper" Martin is now #13 after winning four of five, including Ridley and both Johnsons (Leo and Lee) among his victims. Chick Suggs is the top debutant at #15, compiling a 13-1-1 (8) record, drawing with Cobb and losing to Reddy for the only blemishes on his record. Grover "Battler" Hayes went 3-0 versus lesser competition in 1920, despite being at the tail-end of his career.

Prospects: Feasting on TC competition were Danny Kramer (12-0, 6 KOs), Andre Routis (11-0, 8 KOs), Charlie Beecher (9-0, 3 KOs), Louis Kaplan (8-0, 6 KOs), Benny Bass (8-0, 5 KOs) and Pete Zivic (7-0-1, 3 KOs). Filipine prospects Elino Flores (9-0, 4 KOs) and Johnny Datto (6-0, 2 KOs) both beat Aussie Mike Flynn, who slipped to 3-2 as a result. Red Chapman is 5-1 (2) after losing on a DQ to a TC. Off to good starts are Al Corbett, (6-0, 5), Babe Herman (6-0, 4), Bobby Garcia (4-0, 3) and Benny Vierra (4-0, 1). The "Bronx Express," Carl Duane, is 3-0 (2) in limited action.

Retirements: None in 1920.

Looking Ahead: Kilbane is looking for a chance to regain the WBA belt that he feels was unfairly taken from him in the bout with Brannigan. Bud Ridley appears ready to step up and challenge the division's elite. Johnny Dundee and Steve "Kid" Sullivan are contemplating a move to the newly-created JL division. Mike Dundee, Danny Edwards, Vincent Martin, and Chick Suggs have yet to be seriously tested. It will be interesting to see who among the existing crop of Post-War prospects succeed in cracking the higher echelon of the FW ranks. After a bevy of newcomers to the division last year, only two (Joey Sangor and Panama's Joe Lombardo) are set to join the division in 1921.

Predictions: Was correct in predicting Criqui would retain the EBU belt, but off with other predictions (Kilbane keeping the WBA crown and Dundee and/or Sullivan taking a NABF/USBA belt, neither of which happened).
I will forecast Kilbane to regain the WBA title in a close bout over Bell. Expect to see three newcomers to the Top 10, in part because Sullivan and J. Dundee will try the JL division. Finally, Ridley and M. Dundee will both hold lesser belts (NABF or USBA) during the upcoming year.

[JCWeb]

1920 BW Title Bouts

WBA

Pete Herman CH (29-3-1) vs Eddie Campi #3 (32-8-3)

Campi won a prior bout (UD 12) when Herman was still at Pre back in 1916.

Both are off to a slow start in the opening round, slight edge to Campi. Herman bounces back quickly, dominating the action in round two. Campi's left eye starts to swell, and he tries to get more aggressive but Herman continues to gain the upper hand. Herman builds a points lead and gradually wears Campi down in the second half of the bout. Herman is able to coast through the final rounds, registering a decisive UD 15 win (147-137, 147-138, 147-137).

Pete Herman CH (30-3-1) vs Phila Pal Moore #6 (39-13-4)

Third meeting of the two, Herman winning both prior bouts in 1916. Moore downed Kid Murphy via TKO to set up the title shot.

Herman looks sharp early, and by the end of round one there are signs of swelling around the left eye of the challenger. Herman dominates the early action from the outside, taking rounds two and three. Phila Pal comes back to keep things close in rounds 4 and 5. Moore gets more aggressive as the bout wears on, but Herman's defense is solid. Moore stages a late rally to make the bout close, but the result is another UD 15 for Herman (145-144, 146-141, 143-141).

Pete Herman CH (31-3-1) vs Jack Kid Wolfe #9 (25-10-1)

Wolfe enters the bout having won three in a row, plus he owns a TKO win over Herman back in 1914, when Herman was at Pre-Prime.

Herman looks sharp early, adding to his edge for a 49-46 lead on the unofficial cards after five. Wolfe gradually steps up the attack, and his aggressiveness pays off when Herman sustains a cut above the right eye in round 7. Some good cornerwork keeps the cut under control, even though it is re-opened twice later in the fight. Herman maintained his composure throughout, registering another UD 15 win (149-136, 145-140, 147-138).

Pete Herman CH (32-3-1) vs Robert Dastillon #9 (19-5-2)

Herman travels to Italy to take on Dastillon, the newly crowned EBU Champ. First meeting of the two.

After an even round one, Dastillon tries to work inside in round two -- edge to Herman. Herman then comes back, pressing the Frenchman on the inside, causing the challenger's right eye to start swelling. After a couple of more strong rounds for Herman, Dastillon tries to get more aggressive, without success. The Frenchman tires, and the swelling gradually worsens. Herman dominates, winning by a TKO in the 12th as the ref saves Dastillon from further punishment.

Pete Herman CH (33-3-1) vs Memphis Pal Moore #5 (26-7-2)

Herman takes on Memphis Pal, the NABF Champ, whom Herman defeated back in 1914.

Herman looks sharp early, taking the first two rounds. Then Memphis Pal steps up the pace, landing the more telling blows in rounds 3 and 4. Herman responds with a strong round 5 to regain control. The Champ piles up a points lead as an ever more frustrated Memphis Pal Moore gets more aggressive in an effort to land a haymaker or close the gap. Once again, Herman dominates and coasts in the later rounds -- taking another UD 15 decision (146-139, 145-140, 147-138) for his seventh successful title defense, his fifth in 1920.

NABF: Memphis Pal Moore defended versus Joe Burman, building an early lead while Burman was able to offer little to test him -- UD 12 for Moore. Later, Abe Goldstein challenged for the NABF belt, and once again a strong start for Moore proved to be difficult to overcome, but the close SD 12 verdict for Moore was a bit of a surprise to some.

USBA: Frank Burns defended versus Packey O'Gatty, who pulled ahead in the later rounds as a swollen left eye bothered Burns. UD 12 for O'Gatty. O'Gatty defended the belt versus Indian Russell, building a strong lead and surviving a Russell cross in round 9 that forced O'Gatty to cover up. Another UD 12 for O'Gatty. Finally, it was Jack Kid Wolfe's chance, and while Wolfe sustained a cut over the eye, he landed a strong shot and went on to best O'Gatty in a UD 12 to take the belt.

CBU: Flyweight Tancy Lee vacated the belt, paving the way for a title bout between Brit Joe Fox and Canadian Carl Tremaine. Tremaine started well, keeping Fox off balance. He staggered the Brit in round three and finally finished him off two rounds later. Tremaine by KO 5.

GBU: After a long dormant period after the retirement of former GBU titleholder Joe Bowker, Joe Fox battled FLY Joe Symonds for the vacant belt. Fox consistently outscored the lighter Symonds to build a solid lead, then hung on to register a UD 12 win.

EBU: The "Little Apache," Charles Ledoux, took on his countryman, Robert Dastillon, for the EBU title. Both men suffer cuts above the right eye early in the bout. Dastillon surprises Ledoux with an overhand right for the bout's first and only KD in round four. The cut over Ledoux's eye gradually worsens, leading to a stoppage. Dastillon by TKO 7 to take the belt.

[JCWeb]

Jan 1921 BW Division Profile

Total: 77 RL: 42 TC: 35

RL by Career Stage:
End - 1
Post - 6
Prime - 15
Pre - 9
Beginning - 11 (9 New)

Rated: 24
800+: 6
500+: 16
200+: 24

Jan 1921 Rankings (Perf Pts and Changes from Jan 1920 in Parens)

Champ: Pete Herman 34-3-1 (14) (1522) (NC)
1. Johnny Coulon 45-7-6 (17) (1120) (+1)
2. Eddie Campi 34-9-3 (16) (1057) (+2)
3. Philadelphia Pal Moore 41-14-4 (14) (1014) (+3)
4. Kid Williams 35-10-1 (16) (1013) (-3)
5. Memphis Pal Moore 26-8-2 (11) (943) (+2)
6. Charles Ledoux 39-10 (29) (798) (-2)
7. Jack Kid Wolfe 26-11-2 (8) (730) (+5)
8. Packey O'Gatty 19-3-1 (14) (729) (+1)
9. Robert Dastillon 19-16-2 (13) (713) (+10)
10. Frankie Burns 31-20-1 (7) (702) (-5)

Comments: An aging division, as illustrated by the fact that four the above (Coulon, Campi, and Burns -- joined in 1921 by Kid Williams) will be at Post going into next year. Herman is unbeaten in his last 11, sporting 10 wins and one draw. The ever-present Coulon scored two wins (versus Goldstein and Joe Lynch) and a draw (against Wolfe) to remain high on the list despite reaching Post-Prime in 1920. Campi has won his last two, versus Kid Murphy and Burman. Phila Pal Moore recovered from his title defeat with two wins over Joe Fox (UD 10) and Williams (DQ 5). Williams slipped after losses to Philly Pal and Ledoux; his only 1920 victory came against Frankie Burns. Ledoux was 3-1 in 1920, dropping the EBU title bout but downing Williams, Burns (KO 7) and veteran Al Delmont. Wolfe shot into the Top 10 with three wins and a draw in five bouts; his victims included Little Jack Sharkey and FLY Johnny McCoy. O'Gatty won two of three, all in title bouts. Dastillon shot up the ranks by virtue of his EBU title win. Burns has now lost his last four but managed to stay in the Top 10 of this comparatively thin division.

Other Notables: The two Top 10 dropouts were Joe Lynch, who slid from #10 to 13, battling a three-bout losing streak but recovering with a UD 10 over Johnny Ertle late in the year, and long-time Top 10 contender Frankie Conley, who suffered UD losses in 1920 to Goldstein, Russell and Sharkey and remains winless since 1918. Little Jack Sharkey won three bouts (a MD over Ertle, UDs over Conley and Kid Murphy) to move to #11 in the rankings. Tremaine, the new CBU titleholder, debuts at #12, overcoming his first loss (a MD defeat at the hands of prospect Frankie Jerome) to down Fox en route to compiling a 15-1 (12) mark, worth 608 PPs. Abe Goldstein occupies the #14 slot, after going 2-2 for the year, with wins over Conley (UD) and Delmont (SD). George Marks debuts at #16 with a 15-3 (7) career record, dropping his last three to Jerome and Tremaine (twice) after a 15-0 start. Finally, GBU titleholder Joe Fox is #23 (last) on the list, with a 20-14-1 (8) mark for 313 PPs, as his only win came in the GBU title tilt with British FLY Joe Symonds.

Prospects: Frankie Jerome impressed with wins over Tremaine, Marks and Ad Rubidoux (the latter via TKO), but stumbled in his most recent, a SD loss to ex-Champ Al Delmont, to lower his career mark to 12-1 (7). Rubidoux, whose only loss has been to Jerome, is 11-1 (11) thus far. Johnny Brown is 7-0 (6) after a UD 8 over countryman Harry Lake, who moved to 7-1 (6) after the loss. Canadian Howard Mayberry remained unbeaten, as did Filipino Pete Sarmiento; both are off to identical 6-0 (5) starts. Midget Smith suffered a loss (via DQ) and draw with TC opponents and checks in with a 3-1-1 (1) record. Others getting their careers underway were Bud Taylor, at 3-0 (1) and Dynamite Murphy, at 2-0-1 (1).

Retirement: Only one BW retirement in 1920.

Kid Murphy (USA) 1903-20 42-25-1 (26) WBA Champ Highest Rank: 2

Murphy briefly held the WBA title in 1911, losing it back to Harry Harris in a rematch four months later.

Looking Ahead: Herman appears to be set for at least another year as WBA Champ, until he hits Post in 1922. Wolfe, Goldstein and younger fighters like Tremaine, Jerome and Rubidoux may be poised to develop into the next generation of top BW contenders as guys like Williams, Burns, Coulon and Campi fade from the limelight. Look for Memphis and Philly Pal Moore to continue to challenge for top honors. Nine newcomers swell the ranks in 1921, including Brit Teddy Baldock and Americans Eddie "Cannonball" Martin and Charley Phil Rosenberg.

Predictions: Struck out (oh-for-four) in 1920, so will shy away from any forecasts for 1921. Well, maybe one -- four new faces in the Top 10 as it looks like several fighters are ready to move up next year. Will also predict another year for Herman as WBA Champ, building his reputation as an ATG BW and also a strong position in the pound-for-pound list.

[JCWeb]

1920 FLY Title Bouts

WBA

Jimmy Wilde CH (37-3-1) vs Tancy Lee #2 (22-11-1)

Rematch of Dec. 1918 title bout won by Wilde, who has won both prior bouts. Lee is now at Post-Prime (turning age 38 in 1920) to put him at even a bigger disadvantage against ATG FLY Wilde.

After an uneventful opening round, Wilde asserts himself by moving inside to dominate the action in round two. Lee's left eye starts to swell by the end of the third, and the Mighty Atom takes charge in round four by landing a huge shot that puts Lee on the canvas. From then on, it's just a question of time, as Wilde follows up with a second KD in round five and two more in round six before the ref calls a halt. Wilde by TKO 6.

Jimmy Wilde CH (38-3-1) vs Frankie Mason #1 (27-12-1)

This is the third world title bout between the two, and Wilde has won the first two by TKO.

Midway through round one, Wilde connects with a perfect combination to send Mason to the canvas. Frankie comes back with a cautious round two, where he battles Wilde in an even round. It's a slight edge for the Champ, who pressures his opponent on the inside in round three. Wilde is cut above the right eye in round four. Mason sees his chance, and targets the cut. The cut is reopened in round six. After some good cornerwork, Wilde is good as new and responds by nailing Mason with a perfect cross that ends the bout by KO in round 7.

Jimmy Wilde CH (39-3-1) vs Johnny McCoy #6 (16-5)

First meeting of the two and first WBA title try for the youthful McCoy. Wilde is looking for his seventh straight win as his PP total has finally hit 1000.

After a slow start, Wilde moves inside in round two and pressures McCoy, who continues to keep the Champ off balance. Both mix it up in the inside in round three, a big mistake for McCoy who gets tagged by a big cross from Wilde, forcing McCoy to cover up to survive the round. Both work the outside in round four, where Wilde's superior hand speed makes the difference. Wilde presses forward in round five -- another close round; the unofficial ringside expert has it even, 48-48, at this point. McCoy takes it to Wilde on the inside in round six, scoring well to take the round. Wilde tries to apply more pressure, but is off target in round seven. Another close round in round 8, with Wilde pressing the action on the inside. Both try the inside in round 9, edge to Wilde. The bout is close (96-96 on the unofficial card) going into the final five rounds. McCoy defends well and takes a close round 11 and follows up with a strong 12th round as well. His title slipping away, Jimmy Wilde rallies in the final few rounds, punishing McCoy and causing his left eye to swell even further. It's a close bout and it comes down the scorecards -- Wilde keeps the belt via a MD 15 (146-142, 143-143, 145-141).

NABF: Young Zulu Kid defends the belt versus McCoy, who starts off with a band when he puts Kid on the deck for a 9-count in round one with a vicious combination. McCoy continues to build a points lead, but Kid rallies in the later rounds to escape with a SD 12 verdict. Late in the year, Kid took on rugged veteran Earl Puryear, and the result was another close bout, also going down as a SD 12 for Young Zulu Kid.

USBA: No title defenses by Frankie Mason in 1920.

CBU: Sid Smith defended versus a youthful Australian challenger, George Mendies, and Mendies took charge immediately with a strong uppercut that put Smith on the deck in the opening stanza. Smith never recovered, and Mendies swarmed all over the aging ex-Champ to gain the belt via a TKO 2 stoppage.

GBU, EBU: No activity for either of these two title belts, held by the aging veteran Tancy Lee.

[JCWeb]

Jan 1921 FLY Division Profile

Total: 44 RL: 19 TC: 25

RL by Career Stage:
End - 1
Post - 1
Prime - 6
Pre - 5
Beginning - 6 (2 New)

Rated: 9
800+: 1
500+: 4
200+: 7

Rankings (Perf Pts and Changes from Jan 1920 in Parens):

Champ: Jimmy Wilde 40-3-1 (37) (1044) (NC)
1. Young Zulu Kid 23-8-3 (13) (582) (+3)
2. Frankie Mason 28-14-1 (18) (568) (-1)
3. Tancy Lee 23-12-2 (11) (519) (-1)
4. George Mendies 16-3 (15) (399) (+2)
5. Johnny McCoy 16-6 (12) (357) (+2)
6. Joe Symonds 23-11-3 (15) (348) (-1)
7. Earl Puryear 20-14-2 (4) (198) (-4)
8. Sid Smith 27-21 (11) (152) (NC)

Comments: All at Prime except Lee (at Post), Mendies (at Pre) and Smith (at End). Wilde ran his winning streak to seven with the successful title defenses, his last loss coming to BW Champ Herman back in 1918. Young Zulu Kid was held to a draw by Lee late in the year, having won two title bouts and scored a TKO over Smith to go unbeaten in 1920. Mason also scored a TKO versus the hapless Smith, but lost on KOs to Wilde and BW prospect George Marks. Lee concentrated on the FLY division this year, winning a MD versus Puryear, drawing with Kid and losing the title bout to Wilde. Mendies fashioned an impressive five bout win streak before dropping a UD 10 to Villa, the division's top prospect. McCoy won only one of four bouts in 1920, but it was an impressive win, a SD over ex-BW champ Al Delmont. Symonds downed Puryear (UD) to run his win streak to four, but faltered with successive losses to BW "Louisiana" Biderberg and Joe Fox for the BW GBU crown, causing a slide down the rankings. Puryear lost all four bouts in 1920, and Sid Smith who went 0-3 for the year brings up the rear once again.

Prospects: Johnny Buff was off to a strong 11-0 start before dropping his last two, by UD to Pancho Villa and a MD to BW Indian Russell; his career is off to a 11-2 (7) start. Villa, whose career start has been well documented, recovered from his only defeat (via DQ to Little Jeff Smith) to defeat Buff and Mendies, in addition to avenging the sole defeat to Smith, to wind up the year at 11-1 (6). Smith split the two bouts with Villa and is off to a 7-3-1 (3) start. Young Dencio is still unbeaten, at 8-0-1 (5) and has yet to face his better known countryman, Villa. Off to good starts versus TC competition are Pinky Silverberg, at 4-0 (2 KOs), Willie LaMorte (3-0, all KOs) and Black Bill, at 2-0 (1 KO). 1920 Olympic FLY champ Frankie Genaro, however, did not fare so well in his pro debut -- he suffered a DQ 2 loss to TC Chris Gruber.

Retirements: None in 1920.

Looking Ahead: Wilde appears to be set to retain the title until the likes of Villa and Buff reach Prime career stage, or until Wilde's skills start to diminish. Tancy Lee's skills have already started to diminish, so guys like Mendies, Villa, Buff and Dencio are the future of the division right now. Newcomers Elky Clark of the UK and American Georgie Rivers will be added to the FLY ranks in 1921.

Predictions: Actually did better with this division than others, going 2-for-3 in last year's forecasts: had Wilde keeping the WBA belt (OK, a no-brainer there) and Mendies capturing the CBU title, while Puryear did not come through to take the NABF title.
For 1921, I will predict Frankie Mason to claim the NABF belt, for Villa to debut in the top five, and for Mendies to retain the CBU crown.

[JCWeb]

Recap of Titleholders Heading into 1921 (date won Title and number of successful defenses in Parens)

HW

WBA: Jeff Clarke (Nov. 1920) (0)
NABF: Bill Brennan (Apr. 1920) (2)
USBA: Harry Wills (Jul. 1920) (1)
CBU: Colin Bell (Nov. 1919) (2)
GBU: Joe Beckett (May 1920) (1)
EBU: Jim Coffey (Nov. 1920) (0)

LH

WBA: Harry Greb (Sep. 1920) (0)
NABF: Bob Sweeney (May 1920) (0)
USBA: Jack Dillon (Dec. 1920) (0)
CBU: Harry Reeve (Oct. 1917) (1)
GBU: Harry Reeve (Feb. 1914) (4)
EBU: Battling Siki (Jan. 1919) (1)

MW

WBA: Mike O'Dowd (Jul. 1919) (3)
NABF: Panama Joe Gans (Mar. 1920) (2)
USBA: Mike Gibbons (Jul. 1918) (5)
CBU: Jake Ahearn (Nov. 1917) (2)
GBU: Jake Ahearn (Aug. 1918) (2)
EBU: Chic Nelson (Sep. 1919) (2)

WW

WBA: Tommy Uren (May 1920) (1)
NABF: Willie Loughlin (Aug. 1920) (0)
USBA: Art Magirl (Jul. 1920) (0)
CBU: Bermondsey Billy Wells (Mar. 1920) (1)
GBU: Bermondsey Billy Wells (Jan. 1919) (1)
EBU: Ted Kid Lewis (Sep. 1919) (3)

LW

WBA: Sam Robideau (Dec. 1920) (0)
NABF: Rocky Kansas (Jan. 1920) (1)
USBA: Lew Tendler (Sep. 1920) (0)
CBU: Clonie Tait (Nov. 1920) (0)
GBU: Jem Driscoll (May 1917) (3)
EBU: Llew Edwards (Mar. 1917) (3)

FW

WBA: Ansel Bell (Oct. 1920) (0)
NABF: Vacant (last held by Bell)
USBA: Johnny Kilbane (Sep. 1920) (1)
CBU: Johnny Hill (Mar. 1916) (7)
GBU: Vacant (last held by Billy Elliott)
EBU: Eugene Criqui (Oct. 1918) (2)

BW

WBA: Pete Herman (Mar. 1919) (7)
NABF: Memphis Pal Moore (Mar. 1919) (2)
USBA: Jack Kid Wolfe (Oct. 1920) (0)
CBU: Carl Tremaine (Dec. 1920) (0)
GBU: Joe Fox (Oct. 1920) (0)
EBU: Robert Dastillon (Jun. 1920) (0)

FLY

WBA: Jimmy Wilde (Aug. 1918) (6)
NABF: Young Zulu Kid (Jun. 1929) (2)
USBA: Frankie Mason (Dec. 1918) (0)
CBU: George Mendies (Jun. 1920) (0)
GBU: Tancy Lee (Nov. 1915) (2)
EBU: Tancy Lee (Sep. 1918) (0)

Comments: Greb at LH, Herman at BW and Wilde at FLY are probably the best in their divisions right now -- other Champs are somewhat suspect. Big surprises are the fact that Leonard is no longer LW Champ; Dempsey not holding ANY HW belt; and Packey McFarland finally dethroned as NABF WW champ. This last event makes GBU LH Champ Harry Reeve (who has held that belt since 1914) as the longest-serving Champ, while Pete Herman and CBU FW Champ Jimmy Hill have made the most successful defenses (7) of any active Champions.

[JCWeb]

Finally, the PFP list at the end of 1920, changes from last year in Parens:

1. Harry Wills HW (USBA Champ) 1612 (+2)
2. Pete Herman BW (WBA Champ) 1522 (+3)
3. Mike O'Dowd MW (WBA Champ) 1382 (+6)
4. Bartley Madden HW 1344 (+3)
5. Art Magirl WW (USBA Champ) 1325 (-3)
6. Sam Robideau LW (WBA Champ) 1303 (new)
7. Benny Leonard LW 1302 (-6)
8. Jack Dempsey HW 1271 (+2)
9. Jack Dillon LHW (USBA Champ) 1239 (new)
10. Panama Joe Gans MW (NABF Champ) 1211 (new)

Dropouts from last year's list: Sam McVey (was #4), McFarland (was #6) and Sam Langford (was #8).

A bit of a shakeup in the list, mainly the result of Magirl and Leonard, the two longest serving WBA champs, being ousted from their titles. Leonard is the senior member of the list, as this is his fifth successive appearance. Herman may be set to dominate as Attell did a few years back in the FW division, primarily because of lack of top flight competition at the highest level. Meanwhile, the HW, MW and LW ranks, with multiple fighters in the top 10, appear to be the most competitive, although the second fighter from the LW division appears to be an artifact of the DQ loss suffered by the highly-rated Leonard, who was approaching the stratosphere of the 1700-plus group a the time of his surprising defeat.

I will make a forecast for next year: LH Champ Harry Greb will join the PFP list in 1921.

Will take a bit of a break before kicking off the new year of matches for 1921...

[JCWeb]

January 15, 1921 -- Toronto's Maple Leaf Gardens: Pancho Villa, top FLY prospect, takes on Johnny Buff in a rematch of an earlier bout. Scheduled for 10.

Round one, Villa starts off by landing a big hook, Buff counters with a hook of his own. Villa sticks out a lead right. A straight right is blocked by Buff, who retailates with a short hook to the head. Good action, even opening round.

Round two, Villa works inside while Buff stays on the outside. Buff slashes open a cut above Villa's right eye. Villa pops the jab and follows up with a cross that lands. Buff lands a blow. Villa scores with a combination. Buff plants a hook to Villa's midsection. Villa retreats to a neutral corner, there's a clash of heads -- Buff is warned for head butting right before the end of the round. Slight edge to Buff.

Third round, Buff tries to work the inside while Villa is worried about the cut, which is closed by some good corner work. Buff connects with an uppercut. The left eye of Villa starts to puff up a bit. Buff dominates the action, although Villa sneaks in a hook to the head late in the round.

Fourth round, Buff is again pressing the action on the inside, while Villa stays outside. Villa unleashes a huge uppercut, following up with a jab and then a flurry. Buff clinches. Buff connects with an overhand right, Villa wins a sharp exchange, it's Villa's best round so far.

Round five, both work the inside. Buff finds the range with an uppercut. Villa steps back and fires a stinging jab. Villa follows with an uppercut, and there's more clutching and grabbing by Buff. A strong jab by Buff, even round. Unofficial ringside scorer has it 48-48, even.

Sixth round, Villa moves inside while Buff stays outside. Good hand speed by Villa, Buff connects with a jab. Villa swings and misses, Buff finds the range with an uppercut from way outside. Buff connects with two more uppercuts, concluding a very strong round as Villa starts to wear down.

Round seven, both men work the outside. A cross from Buff finds its target. A jab re-opens the cut above Villa's eye. Villa is warned for holding and hitting. Villa uncorks a hook to the head right before the bell.

Eighth round, Buff is the aggressor. He unleashes a flurry but most of the blows are blocked. Villa connects with a short hook. Buff is called for a flagrant low blow -- and this time the ref disqualifies Buff.

Villa takes the win, moving his record to 12-1 (6) and 556 PPs. At the time the bout was halted, Villa was ahead on one card, even on another, and trailing on the third.

[JCWeb]

Jan. 29,1921 -- Philadelphia: Unbeaten LHW prospect Tommy Loughran steps up to the world of the 10-rounders as he takes on TC Norm Dietz (1-11 career record) in one of the main supports to the FLY World title bout.

Round one, Loughran establishes his jab early, then follows Dietz to a neutral corner where he unleashes a clean cross, following up with some more blows for a strong opening round.

Second round, Loughran stays outside and probes for an opening. Loughran scores with an uppercut, a jab, another jab to dominate the action in this round as well. Dietz's left eye starts to swell up.

Round three, Loughran moves inside to pressure Dietz. He backs up Dietz with an uppercut, connects with a jab, then a right cross. Loughran flicks another jab, then Dietz is wild with a hook. Dietz sticks in a jab, but Loughran connects with a straight right and then a right cross right before the bell.

Round four, more of the same as Loughran follows a jab with two more, and now both of Dietz's eyes exhibit signs of swelling. A big left and an uppercut also penetrate Dietz's porous defenses, yet the TC is still standing despite taking a pounding.

Fifth round, Loughran is looking for a KO, and he shakes Dietz by doubling up on his left that finds its target. He cuts the ring off and batters Dietz on the ropes. Another strong round for Loughran, who is up 49-46 on the unofficial scorecard.

Round six sees Loughran opening with a huge right cross. Dietz sneaks in a jab. Louhgran counters with a hook to the head, and he moves in behind a jab. Dietz tries to tie Tommy up. An uppercut gets through for Loughran, who takes this round as well.

Round seven, Loughran is seeking to finish his man. A big left has Dietz in trouble, and the worsening swelling causes the ref to consult with the ring doctor, who allows the fight to go on. A couple of quick jabs and a late knockdown, but Dietz scrambles to his feet right before the bell.

Round eight, Dietz's eyes are reduced to slits. A hook scores for Loughran, followed by two jabs. More clinching by Dietz. A cross and a solid hook to the head, and Dietz is in full retreat. Loughran follows up with a short uppercut, a three-punch combo, and then lands a solid blow, and down goes Dietz -- this time for the count.

Loughran by KO at 2:50 of round 8 to run his record to 10-0 (6 KOs), now with 494 PPs.

[JCWeb]

March 5, 1921 -- Comiskey Park, Chicago: Unbeaten LHW prospect Tommy Loughran faces his toughest challenge to date, as he takes on another unbeaten prospect, Buck Holley (12-0-1, 10 KOs) in a 10-round co-main support to a WBA title fight. Holley to date has demonstrated good power versus TC opposition but probably lacks the boxing and defensive skills so it should go to Loughran if he can stay out of trouble.

Round one: Holley tries to stalk Loughran, but Tommy plants a right to the chin and follows with a big cross. Holley fires back a left over the jab of Loughran. Tommy manages a strong finish with a leaping shot, a glancing cross and a couple of jabs to take the opening round comfortably.

Second round, Loughran fights outside and flicks several probing jabs to establish his rhythm. Louhgran scores with a quick hook to the ribs. A double left is blocked by Holley, who counters with a jab of his own. Not much action for the rest of the round, but Loughran sneaks a right home and appears to do enough to take round two.

Round three, Loughran works inside while Holley tries his luck on the outside. Loughran puts his punches together well and lands a strong combination. Holley shoots a jab to the chest of Loughran. Louhgran takes charge for the rest of the round, scoring with a nifty uppercut and a devastating hook right before the bell that leaves Holley reeling.

Fourth round sees both men willing to mix it up on the inside. Holley sneaks home a right cross, but Loughran retaliates with a a short uppercut and then forces Holley to retreat with a penetrating jab. A jolting uppercut from outside connects for Loughran, who follows up with right cross and another uppercut. Holley tries to clinch but Loughran sneaks home a few more blows right before the bell, ending another strong round.

Round five, Loughran gets even more aggressive as he tries to drop Holley. A straight right from Tommy is blocked by Holley's glove. Louhgran steps back and fires an uppercut. Holley counters with an uppercut of his own. Louhgran's timing is a bit off but a late flurry gives him the round. Midway through the bout, the unofficial ringside expert scoring has Loughran winning by a wide margin (50-45).

Sixth round and Holley tries to be the aggressor. Loughran lands a jab and probes his man for an opening. Holley fires and misses. Buck connects with a jab, then there is a lull as both men engage in some clutching and grabbing. Louhgran tries to set his man up with an uppercut, then he blocks a hook from Holley. Loughran fires a hook to the body. The bell sounds, and Holley appears to be wearing down at this point in the bout.

Round seven, Loughran reverts to working on the outside while Holley tries to apply pressure on the inside. Louhgran pops a hook to the head, and then follows with a two punch combo. Holley retreats and then tries to clinch. Loughran steps back but misses. He then connects with a jab and a straight right just before the bell to take the round.

Eighth round sees Loughran adopt a more defensive posture as a tiring Holley becomes increasingly desperate. Loughran flicks a jab and a combination, keeping his opponent off-balance. Holley fires back with a jab of his own, but his next shot bounces of Loughran's shoulder. An uppercut to the chin from Loughran finds its target, punctuating another strong round for Tommy.

Round nine, Louhgran is fighting outside while Holley tries to launch an all-out assault. Louhgran scores with a right cross. Holley misses with a cross. Louhgran's jab finds its target. A cross also connects for Loughran, who is sticking and moving well. Louhgran uses the jab to set up a short uppercut. Holley gets in a jab but cannot follow up. One more round left.

Round ten, more of the same as Holley's left is blocked, followed up with a three-punch combo. Louhgran counters with a right cross and a solid combination. Holley wings a left that misses. Loughran ends the scoring with a nice combination.

The outcome is a foregone conclusion: it's a lopsided UD 10 win for Loughran (100-91, 99-91, 100-90) to move Tommy to 11-0 (6 KOs), worth 542 PPs.

[JCWeb]

March 26, 1921 -- Washington, DC, Uline Arena: Top MW prospect Mickey Walker puts his perfect 11-0 (11) record on the line against his toughest opponent to date, Allentown Joe Gans, who carries an 11-2 record into this 10-round bout that serves as a main support for a WBA title bout.

Round one: Walker shakes Gans with a nice combination just seconds into the bout. Gans is backed into a neutral corner, where Walker goes to work landing a two-punch combo followed by a cross. Gans misses with an uppercut. Walker is off target with a straight right. Gans connects with a cross. Walker scores with a hard hook just before the bell. Good start for the Toy Bulldog.

Second round, Walker continues to apply pressure on the inside. He puts Gans on his heels with a hook. Gans scores with a cross. Walker is off target, Gans scores with a flurry. Walker nails Gans with a hook to the body -- close round.

Round three, both men work the inside. Walker scores with a lead left and pursues Gans into the corner. He nails Gans with an uppercut, then measures his man with a jab. Gans is telegraphing is punches and thus becomes an easy target. Walker connects with another hard shot to take the round.

Round four, Walker is looking to finish Gans. Gans sneaks home a jab, then Walker rips off a three-punch combo. Gans responds with a big hook and then connects with an uppercut. Walker fires back with a cross, then moves forward behind his jab. Gans fires with a left over Walker's jab. Good, close round with lots of action.

Fifth round, Gans tries to be more aggressive, spurred on by positive results in round four. Gans connects with an uppercut, but leaves himself open to a hook to the body from Walker. Mickey follows up with a nice combination and lands a big uppercut to stop Gans in his tracks. Another great action round, and halfway through the bout, the unofficial card has Walker ahead on points, but only by two (50-48).

Sixth round, Walker is on the attack again, landing with the lead right. Gans counters with a cross. Gans probes with the jab, but Walker connects with a hook to the body. Gans sticks Walker with a hook to the head. Walker is off target for the rest of the round, a strong one for Gans.

Round seven, both men work inside in what is clearly Walker's toughest bout to date. Walker's jab is on target, and he follows with a huge right to the head. Gans barely hangs on as Walker dominates the action with another uppercut and a straight right.

Eighth round, Gans tries to be more aggressive as he sticks a jab to the chest of the Toy Bulldog. Walker rallies to score with an uppercut, a straight right, and another uppercut to take the round comfortably.

Round nine, Gans is the all-out aggressor, but it just gets him in trouble as Walker drops him with a short uppercut. Gans bounces back up at the count of three. Walker moves in behind the jab, Gans' left eye exhibits signs of swelling. Gans covers up but gets in a short hook just before the bell.

Final round, and it looks like Mickey Walker will be forced to go the distance for the first time in his three-year career. Walker plods forward, picking off punches from a tired Gans that lack sting. Walker lands with a cross and a left, then the final bell. The fighters embrace and return to their corners to await the decision.

The judge's cards show 97-92, 98-91, 97-92, a UD 10 for Mickey Walker, who moves to 12-0 (11 KOs), worth 592 PPs.

[JCWeb]

April 23, 1921, Manila's Rizal Arena -- Feature bout here is a 10-round FLY affair between two top Filipino prospects, the highly regarded Pancho Villa carries a 12-1 (6) record into the ring against his undefeated countryman, Young Dencio who is 9-0-1 (5). Should be an entertaining bout, but Villa is heavily favored despite the one loss on his slate.

Round one, Villa lands a penetrating jab, causing Dencio to retreat to a neutral corner. Villa follows up with a hook to the body , but Dencio takes the blow and lands a jab of his own. Villa fires another shot over the jab, using his jab effectively to control the action for the rest of the round. Great start for Pancho Villa.

Second round, Villa moves inside while Dencio fights outside. Villa snakes a right home, following up with a stinging jab. Dencio shoots a hook to the head. Villa misses with the left, Dencio fires back with a jab. Villa lands a series of blows at the end of the round, causing Dencio's right eye to start swelling.

Round three, both men try to control the action from the inside. Villa smacks a cross to the forehead of Dencio. A right to the chin has Dencio reeling. Villa doubles up on the jab, and the swelling about Dencio's eye worsens. Villa scores with an uppercut and dominates the round.

Fourth round, Villa is looking for the KO while Dencio is looking for a place to hide. Villa lands a solid jab and follows up with a cross. Villa comes in behind the jab, then nails Dencio with a lead right hand. More swelling is noticeable. Villa connects with a straight right. Dencio comes up short with a return salvo. Villa is wild with the hook right before the bell.

Round five, Dencio tries his luck on the inside while Villa stays outside. Villa lands blows to the head and chest of his opponent. Dencio misses, and Villa fires back with a nice right-left combination. A follow up cross has Dencio hurt. Dencio misses with an uppercut, and the rest of the round is all Villa: a glancing right and a double jab. Huge edge (50-45) for Villa after five.

Sixth round, both men work the outside. Dencio unleashes a flurry of blows. Villa pounds away on the swollen eye with a jab and then an uppercut. A two-fisted attack by Villa leaves Dencio reeling, but he manages to stay afoot. Another dominant round for Villa.

Round seven, Villa moves inside as it's just a question of time about how much more punishment Dencio can take. Dencio, getting desperate now, sneaks in a right cross, but Villa is quick to counter with an uppercut. Another Villa jab finds its target. Dencio ties Villa up, momentarily slowing him down. Dencio scores with a right and a nice two-punch combination, his best sequence of the fight. Both land jabs near the end of this, an even round.

Round eight, Dencio is the aggressor but Villa controls the action from the outside with a very effective jab. A short hook connects for Villa. The swelling about Dencio's eye is serious now. A glancing cross for Villa is a bit off target. A right cross scores for Villa. Dencio lands with a weak counter. Another big cross for Villa, and the ring doctor is called in to examine the eye of Dencio. The swelling is too severe to allow the bout the continue, and the ref waves the fight off despite protests from Dencio's corner.

The TKO at 2:22 of round eight raises Villa's mark to 13-1 (7 KOs) for 607 PPs. One more bout is needed to make his debut in the FLY rankings.

[JCWeb]

April 30, 1921: Polo Grounds, NYC -- Tommy Loughran, the unbeaten and smooth as silk top LH prospect, returns to the ring in a main support bout, a 10-rounder versus a top British LH prospect, Jack Bloomfield. Bloomfield enters the bout with a solid 11-1-1 start to his career; Loughran is seeking victory #12 against no defeats.

Round one, Loughran fires a hook to the body; Bloomfield winces but fires back with a right hand. Loughran gets in a jab and moves inside to dig another hook to the body of Bloomfield. Bloomfield retreats and Loughran finishes with a late flurry to take round one easily.

Second round sees both men content to stay outside. After a bit of clutching and grabbing, Loughran gets his hands free to unload with a hook to the head. Loughran then lands another blow over the attempted jab of Bloomfield. More clinching is initiated by the British fighter. Loughran leaves his jab short but bangs home an uppercut. Bloomfield is off target with most of his punches as Loughran has built a solid points lead.

Round three, both men get a bit more aggressive, working inside this time. Loughran rips a powerful uppercut that snaps Bloomfield's head back. A good action, as Loughran lands repeatedly but Bloomfield connects with a hook late in the round.

Fourth round, Bloomfield presses the action on the inside while Loughran works the jab from the outside. Bloomfield gets in another solid hook but his scoring punches are still too few and far between. Loughran misses with the left but then staggers Bloomfield with a powerful right cross. As the boxers return to their respective corners, swelling around the left eye of Bloomfield is apparent.

Fifth round, Loughran is working inside again but Bloomfield -- sensing things are slipping away -- is looking for the knockout. Loughran lands a nice 1-2 combination, and then Bloomfield is an easy target for a quick hook to the head. Bloomfield slows Loughran when he connects with a combination of his own, but Loughran stuns Bloomfield with another hook to the head. Midway through the bout, the unofficial ringside observer has it 50-45, with Loughran pitching a shutout thus far.

Round six, Bloomfield moves inside, and he responds to a double left from Loughran with a big hook of his own. Loughran keeps his distance, popping home an occasional jab, coasting on his points lead. Bloomfield tries to bull his way inside, but Loughran connects with a hook to the body. Bloomfield unleashes a straight right that is blocked by Loughran right before the bell.

Seventh round, Bloomfield rushes in, looking for a KO punch. Loughran fires to the head and body, and the Brit is off target once again. Loughran dances around the ring, firing at will to dominate the round as the Brit begins to tire noticeably.

Round eight, Bloomfield unleashes a quick flurry and, for much of the round, there is not much action. Loughran comes to life with a short hook to the ribs and follows with an uppercut, along with a stinging jab to do enough to take round eight.

Ninth round, Loughran adopts a defensive posture while Bloomfield is going all out for a KO. Louhgran shoots the lead right and is on target with a follow up cross. Bloomfield is warned for a low blow. Loughran doubles up on the jab, then Bloomfield fires and misses. A hook to the head opens a but below the left eye of Bloomfield, but the cut is not in a dangerous position.

Final round, and Bloomfield launches a desperation attack but Loughran is thinking safety first. Loughran fires a jab to the chest which slows down the plodding Brit. The swelling around Bloomfield's eye worsens, but he gamely comes forward, taking numerous blows to land just one. Bloomfield finally finds the range with a jab, but it's too little, too late as the bell sounds the end.

The scorecards are read and, as expected, it's a lopsided UD win for Loughran (99-91, 100-90, 99-91) who moved to 12-0 (6) with 585 PPs.

[JCWeb]

June 4, 1921, Boston Garden: Unbeaten MW prospect Mickey Walker was matched up against an established WW fighter, Alex Trambitas, who had compiled an impressive 19-3-3 (7) mark heading into the 10-rounder with Walker.

Round one, Walker wings a big left that is sidestepped by Trambitas. Walker probes with the jab and follows with a hard shot to the head. Trambitas backs up, Walker misses with a big shot. Trambitas sneaks home a jab. Walker dominates the action for the rest of the round, and the right eye of Trambitas is showing signs of swelling.

Second round, Walker moves inside, seeking to inflict more damage. A leaping shot by Walker falls short. Trambitas counters with a shot to the head and neck of Walker. Walker, energized, staggers his opponent with a hook to the head. Walker follows up with a big uppercut. Another straight right and a combination, and Trambitas is forced to cover up to survive the round.

Round three, more of the same as Trambitas adopts a more defensive posture, hoping to ward off the aggressive Toy Bulldog. After some clinching, Walker lands a solid hook to the head of Trambitas. Walker traps his man in the corner, misses with a cross. Then a perfect uppercut gets through, and Trambitas sinks to the canvas. He's counted out at 2:04 of the third.

The KO is Walker's 12th in 13 bouts, and he now has 627 PPs.